APC Primaries: Tinubu Urges Peaceful Conduct, Warns Aspirants Against Rancour

President Bola Tinubu has called on members of the All Progressives Congress to conduct themselves peacefully and democratically as the party begins its nationwide primaries on Saturday 16th May, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released ahead of the commencement of the primaries, Tinubu urged aspirants and members to avoid bitterness, division and what he described as “do-or-die politics,” stressing that the exercise should strengthen rather than weaken the party.

The President described the APC primaries as a crucial test of the party’s unity, resilience and democratic values, noting that the contests go beyond merely selecting candidates for elective offices.

According to him, the primaries present an opportunity for members to reaffirm the ideals of progressive politics, sacrifice and consensus-building upon which the APC was founded.

Tinubu commended ongoing consultations among party leaders aimed at producing consensus candidates in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

He noted that consensus arrangements, where properly managed, could help reduce internal rancour and preserve cohesion within the party.

However, he stressed that where consensus fails, all contestants must participate peacefully and accept the outcome of the process in good faith.

“We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us.

“Politics should never be a zero-sum game,” the President said while appealing to aspirants to approach the contests as brothers and sisters working toward a common goal.

The President further advised winners of the primaries not to humiliate or mock unsuccessful contestants, urging them instead to immediately begin reconciliation efforts to ensure party unity ahead of the general elections.

He equally encouraged those who may not emerge victorious to demonstrate sportsmanship and remain committed to the collective interest of the APC before, during and after the general elections.

“Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing that party stability and national interest must take precedence over personal ambition.

Tinubu also charged governors, party executives and other stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the exercise by providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

He stressed that although only one candidate would emerge in each contest, every participant should be satisfied that the process was credible and transparent.

In addition, the President called for greater inclusion of women and youths in the party’s affairs, noting that the APC cannot afford to sideline two critical segments of Nigeria’s population.

He urged members to give special consideration to young people and women during the primaries as part of efforts to deepen participation and strengthen democracy within the party.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 16th May, 2026